Page 31 of Hexmate (Widdershins Supernatural Academy #1)

“Why are you still working here?” Wild asked, giving me a nudge. “Didn’t you quit this job like two months ago?”

“Yeah,” I nodded, leaning against a broom near the gymnasium bleachers. “But if you hold a broom and look like you belong here, people don’t question why you’re here after hours or charge you admission.”

He raised an eyebrow. “And why are you here after hours?”

“Why do you think?”

A wide grin spread over Wild’s face. “What happened to my shy roommate? Who is this confident slut I see in front of me?”

I just shrugged. “Killing a man changes you.”

“So does getting knotted by a werewolf, apparently.”

“That definitely helped.”

He crossed his arms, both of us grinning as the crowd around us erupted in cheers. On the mat, Karrick had just pinned his opponent, a rather buff vampire from another school. He stood up, pumping his fist in the air in victory. Ever since the curse was lifted a month ago, he’d been itching to get back on the mat. This was the first make-up meet the Widdershins wresting team had after everything went down. All of them were ready to get back to the competition, including Atlas. I couldn’t blame them either. It was nice to have some normalcy for once after my father and Rowan attempted to purify campus. Thankfully, all that was now just a bad memory that I hoped would fade in time.

“Speak of the devil,” Wild said, gesturing toward a hulking figure stepping up the mat.

I smiled, my eyes soaking in every detail of Atlas’s body as it flexed under a thin layer of spandex. I loved seeing him in that singlet, dripping in sweat. He glanced up and through the bond I felt him chastise me for gawking so openly. He could feel my arousal through our bond, and I watched him shift his junk to the side. I couldn’t help but smile. I loved having such a profound effect on him. And once this meet was done, I had a good feeling he’d make me pay for it in the locker room. That was my favorite kind of punishment.

Wild tapped me on the shoulder. “Whatever you’re doing, stop it,” he grinned. “As much as I’d love to watch your boyfriend get all bricked up in front of everyone, maybe give him a break. I’m not sure his opponent wants to get covered in wolf cock.”

I snorted, leaning closer to Wild. “Fine, fine. I’ll behave.”

But I didn’t stop watching. How could I? Atlas moved like liquid power on the mat, all controlled aggression and perfect form. When he locked eyes with his opponent—some broad-shouldered bear shifter from Crescent Valley—I felt a growl build in my own chest. Atlas sensed it through our bond and his lips quirked up just slightly.

“You two are disgusting,” Wild muttered, but I could hear the affection in his voice.

The whistle blew, and Atlas lunged forward. His hands found purchase on his opponent’s shoulders, and with a swift movement that looked almost effortless, he took the bear shifter down to the mat. The crowd erupted again, and I felt a surge of pride that wasn’t entirely my own.

“So,” Wild said, his voice dropping lower, “have you heard anything about Rowan?”

My grip tightened on the broom. “No. Not since they took him to the Arcane Correctional Facility.”

“Good. Let him rot there.”

I nodded but couldn’t help the chill that ran down my spine at the mention of Rowan’s name. Even locked away, the memory of him haunted me. In the end, he’d turned against my father who’d betrayed him. He was the only reason the Elder Council hadn’t tried me for murder. Still, I couldn’t forget the things he’d done to me and all the damage he’d wrought.

“He can’t hurt anyone anymore,” I said, more to convince myself than Wild. “Maybe one day he’ll atone for what he did.”

Wild placed a hand on my shoulder. “Sorry I brought him up. Let’s focus on your hot wolf boyfriend instead.”

On the mat, Atlas had his opponent nearly pinned, muscles straining as the bear shifter fought against his hold. The crowd was going wild, but all I could focus on was the way Atlas’s back flexed, the damp spots of sweat darkening his singlet.

The whistle blew. Atlas had won.

“And that’s another victory for Widdershins!” the announcer’s voice boomed. “Atlas Faolan remains undefeated this season!”

Atlas stood, accepting the handshake from his opponent with the grace of a born leader. His eyes found mine in the crowd, and even from this distance, I could see the golden flecks in his irises brightening.

As Atlas stepped off the mat, Coach Harding clapped him on the back. The rest of the team crowded around him, but his eyes never left mine. Through our bond, I felt his satisfaction, his pride—and beneath it all, a burning desire that made my skin flush.

“Earth to witch boy,” Wild said, snapping his fingers in front of my face. “You’re practically drooling.”

“Can you blame me?” I murmured, watching as Atlas finally broke eye contact to listen to something Coach was saying.

“No, but I can judge you for it.” Wild grinned. “So, locker room plans?”

I felt my cheeks heat up. “Is it that obvious?”

“Only to anyone with eyes. Or ears. Or who’s been within fifty feet of you two in the past month.” He nudged me playfully. “Just try not to break any school property this time. The janitor’s still finding splinters from that bench.”

“That wasn’t my fault,” I protested. “Atlas got a little... enthusiastic.”

Wild rolled his eyes. “Save the details for when you get back to our room. I want to hear them all.” He leaned closer, nudging me again. “And whatever you do, don’t tell anyone you made him your familiar.”

My eyes went wide as I turned to Wild. I’d never told him that. “I… I don’t know what you?—”

“Your secret’s safe with me,” he grinned. “Nobody else knows. I don’t want my best friend getting expelled.”

“H-How…?”

“I’m Fae, remember? I can sense more magic than you’ll ever understand.” He patted me on the shoulder. “Go have fun with your wolf boyfriend. See you back at the room.”

I blushed and looked away. “Uh… not sure I’ll be back tonight.”

“Tomorrow then,” he winked. “Just make sure you can still walk. I’m not carrying you to class.” He gave me a wave. “See ya later.”

The match was winding down now, with Widdershins declared the victors. I waved to Wild, watching him go for a moment before I turned my attention back to Atlas.

The crowd began to disperse as the final scores were tallied, but I stayed put, pretending to sweep the same spot near the bleachers. Atlas was surrounded by teammates slapping his back and ruffling his hair, but his eyes kept finding mine across the gymnasium. The bond between us pulsed with anticipation, making my skin feel too tight for my body.

Coach Harding gathered the team for a final huddle. “Outstanding work today, gentlemen! Especially you, Faolan. That takedown in the second round was textbook.” He clapped Atlas on the shoulder. “Hit the showers and get some rest. Monday, we start training for regionals.”

The team broke apart with whoops and hollers. Atlas lingered behind, pretending to adjust his headgear while the others filed toward the locker room. Through our bond, I felt his impatience, his desire, and something darker that made my breath catch.

I waited until Coach Harding disappeared into his office before I abandoned my prop broom against the wall and made my way toward the locker room, heart pounding. The hallway was empty, the sounds of celebration fading as the team dispersed to weekend activities. We were only a couple of weeks away from winter break, and thanks to all the curses, they had a lot of activities to catch up on. But that only meant Atlas and I would have the place to ourselves faster, which was fine with me.

I pushed open the locker room door, greeted by steam and the echoing sounds of showers running. Most of the team had already rushed through their post-match routines, eager to celebrate their victory elsewhere. Only a few stragglers remained, gathering their things.

“Hey, witch boy,” Karrick called out, towel wrapped around his waist as he passed me. He might’ve been in human form, but being a Beastkin, he was still muscular and hairy always. “Good to see Atlas has you properly trained. Always showing up right after his matches.” He winked, not unkindly.

I shrugged, trying to appear casual despite the heat rising to my cheeks. “Just supporting the team.”

“Sure you are,” he laughed, punching my shoulder lightly. “Don’t break anything this time.”

As the last few wrestlers filtered out, the locker room grew quieter, just the steady drumming of a single shower still running. I followed the sound, steam curling around me as I moved deeper into the room.

I found Atlas alone, water cascading down his broad back, muscles flexing as he ran his hands through his dark hair. He didn’t turn around, but I knew he sensed me—our bond hummed with awareness.

“You enjoying the view?” he asked, a grin pulling at the corners of his mouth.

“Always,” I answered, leaning against the tile wall, not bothering to hide my appreciation. “You were amazing out there.”

Atlas turned, water streaming down his chest, over the defined ridges of his abs, and lower. My mouth went dry. No matter how many times I saw him like this, it never got old.

“I felt you watching me,” he said, golden eyes darkening. “Felt what you were thinking.”

I shrugged, trying to appear casual despite the heat building between us. “Maybe you should learn to block me out during matches.”

“Maybe I don’t want to.” His voice dropped an octave, sending a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with the damp chill of the locker room.

Atlas turned off the shower with a sharp twist and stalked toward me, not bothering with a towel. Water droplets clung to his skin, highlighting every curve of muscle. Through our bond, I felt his desire, raw and primal, mingling with mine until I couldn’t tell where his ended and mine began. I glanced down, watching his cock thicken between us.

“You’re overdressed,” he growled, backing me against the wall.

My heart hammered in my chest. “Anyone could walk in.”

“That just makes it hotter,” he whispered in my ear. His teeth grazed my earlobe, sending electric pulses down my spine. “Besides, you know I’d hear them coming.”

I swallowed hard, my hands reaching for the hem of my shirt as Atlas pressed his wet body against me, not caring that he was soaking through my clothes. The cool tiles against my back contrasted with the heat of his skin, making me gasp.

“You’ve been teasing me all night,” he growled, golden eyes flashing. “I could feel your eyes on me during every match. I could feel every dirty fucking thing you wanted me to do to you.”

“Can’t help it,” I managed, as his hand slid beneath my shirt, calloused fingers tracing up my ribs. “You know what you look like in that singlet.”

Atlas’s laugh was dark and possessive. “I know exactly what I look like. And I know what it does to you.”

His mouth crashed against mine, hungry and demanding. I melted into him, my fingers tangling in his damp hair as he lifted me effortlessly, pinning me against the wall. Water from his body soaked through my clothes, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. All I could focus on was the press of his body against mine, the feel of his cock grinding against my ass.

Through our bond, I felt his wolf stir—that wild, possessive part of him that still made my heart race. His hands gripped my thighs, fingers digging in hard enough to leave marks. I wanted those marks. Wanted everyone to know I belonged to him.

“I think,” Atlas murmured against my neck, “you need to be reminded who you belong to.”

“Maybe I do,” I challenged, knowing exactly what it would do to him. “Maybe I’ve forgotten.”

His eyes flashed, pupils dilating until only a thin ring of gold remained. With one swift movement, he tore my shirt down the middle, buttons scattering across the wet tile floor.

“Hey! I liked that shirt,” I protested, but the complaint died in my throat as his mouth descended on my collarbone, teeth scraping skin.

“I’ll buy you another one,” he growled. “A hundred more.”

His hands made quick work of my pants, shoving them down my legs until I could kick them away. The cool air against my exposed skin made me shiver, but Atlas’s body was furnace-hot against mine.

“A hundred more?” I teased. “A jobless wolf like you couldn’t even afford one.”

He growled against my neck. “Didn’t I tell you?” he huffed, grinding himself against me. “My father stopped by before the match.” He leaned back only for a second, his eyes flashing bright gold. “Guess who’s the heir to the pack again?”

“What?!” I gasped, actually forgetting about his cock for two seconds. “Really? Are you happy about that?”

“It comes with its perks,” he nodded.

“What… about me? I know your dad didn’t like us together.”

“After everything that happened,” Atlas shrugged, “he realized he wanted his son more than he wanted to cling to old, outdated traditions.”

“That’s amazing, Atlas! I’m so happy for you!”

“Me too,” he grinned. Then his face shifted back into an expression of desire. “Now can I please fuck you?”

I bit my lower lip, leaning forward to kiss him deeply, my tongue sliding against his. “Only if you promise to knot me.”

He growled low in his chest. “You’re such a need slut.”

“Guilty.”

Atlas’s eyes flashed with that primal hunger that still made my heart race. “I’ll give you what you need,” he growled, his voice rough with desire. “Turn around.”

I obeyed, pressing my palms against the cool tile as Atlas moved behind me. His hand slid up my spine, then pressed firmly between my shoulder blades, bending me forward. Through our bond, I felt his satisfaction at seeing me positioned like this—waiting for him, wanting him.

“Look at you,” he murmured, his free hand trailing down to grip my ass. “So eager for it.” His thumb brushed over my entrance, and I couldn’t help the soft moan that escaped me. “Already prepped for me? You little slut.”

I glanced back over my shoulder, meeting his golden gaze. “I told you I came prepared.”

A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face. “Of course you did.” He leaned forward, his chest pressing against my back as he whispered in my ear, “That’s why you’re mine.”

His teeth grazed the sensitive spot where my neck met my shoulder. I shivered, leaning into the feeling for a moment before I felt the bond between us begin to glow. Alpha power, pure and raw, filled my brain as Atlas began to shift. The hands gripping my waist grew larger, claws digging into my flesh as they extended from his fingertips. His voice fell away, replaced by a deep growl that reverberated through my entire body. And his cock, already large in human form, grew even more, pulsing hot and thick against my ass.

Atlas grabbed me, turned me around, and lifted my off the floor easily. He pressed my back against the wall, my body held aloft easily by his werewolf strength. I wrapped my arms around his neck, staring into those bright golden eyes surrounded by dark fur. His long, hot tongue traced up my neck, making me tremble with delight. My own cock was pressed against his belly, leaking pre-cum into his fur.

“Please,” I begged, already grinding myself against him. “Please fuck me, Atlas. I need you to breed me.”

He growled deep in his chest, no longer able to speak in his Alpha form. With one hand still holding me aloft, he used the other to aim his cock, letting the thick red head come to rest against my hole. I felt him pulsing there, pre-cum mixing with the lubricant I’d already applied to myself before the match. I’d made sure to stretch ahead of time too, so my body was already prepared for his massive girth.

I shuddered as Atlas pressed inside me, the initial stretch making me gasp despite my preparation. No matter how many times we did this, I was never truly ready for how it felt to take him in this form—the heat, the size, the primal energy that pulsed through our bond.

“Fuck,” I hissed, my head falling back against the tile as he sheathed himself deeper. “Atlas...”

His response was another rumbling growl, his clawed hands gripping my thighs tightly as he held me against the wall. Through our bond, I felt his pleasure mingling with mine—the tight heat around his cock, the fullness stretching me open. My fingers tangled in the dark fur of his chest, holding on as he began to move.

The first thrust knocked the breath from my lungs. The second made my toes curl. By the third, I was moaning shamelessly, not caring if anyone heard us.

“Yes,” I gasped, my legs tightening around his waist. “God, yes, just like that.”

Atlas’s golden eyes blazed with possessive hunger as he watched my face, reading every flicker of pleasure. In this form, he couldn’t speak, but he didn’t need to. Through our bond, I felt everything—his desire, his satisfaction at seeing me come undone, his wolf’s primal need to claim and mark.

Each thrust drove me higher against the tile wall, the cool surface a sharp contrast to the burning heat of Atlas’s body. His pace was relentless, each powerful stroke hitting that perfect spot inside me that made stars burst behind my eyelids. My cock bounced against my stomach, leaking pre-cum with every thrust.

“Harder,” I begged, my voice breaking. “Please, Atlas, harder.”

He obliged, his growl deepening as he adjusted his grip on my thighs, claws pricking my skin just enough to send delicious shivers up my spine. The new angle had me seeing stars, my head falling back against the tile with a thud that I barely registered.

Through our bond, I felt his control slipping, the wolf taking over more completely. His thrusts grew more erratic, more desperate. I knew what was coming—could feel the base of his cock beginning to swell, the knot that would lock us together.

“Yes,” I gasped, my fingers digging into his fur, urging him on. “Give it to me. I want your knot.”

His growl turned into something deeper, more primal as his thrusts became shorter, more urgent. The locker room filled with the sounds of our coupling—my desperate moans, his animalistic growls, the slap of our bodies coming together. The swelling at the base of Atlas’s cock pressed against my entrance, stretching me further with each thrust.

“Come on,” I urged, my voice breaking as pleasure built inside me. “Knot me, Alpha.”

Those words triggered something in him—I felt it surge through our bond, raw and grasping. With a snarl that echoed off the tiles, Atlas drove forward one final time, his knot pushing past my rim and locking us together. The pressure against my prostate was overwhelming, sending waves of pleasure crashing through me. I came with a cry, untouched, painting my stomach and Atlas’s fur with thick ropes of cum.

Atlas’s body shuddered against mine as his own orgasm hit. I felt the hot pulses of his release filling me, the knot ensuring none of it escaped. Through our bond, his pleasure amplified my own, creating a feedback loop that had me trembling and gasping in his arms.

As the initial intensity faded, Atlas carefully adjusted his hold, keeping us connected as he lowered us both to the bench. He cradled me in his lap, his massive werewolf form curled protectively around me. Atlas’s tongue lapped gently at my neck, soothing the marks his teeth had left. I melted against his chest, trembling with aftershocks as his knot kept us locked together. Through our bond, I felt his satisfaction, his possessiveness, and beneath it all, a tenderness that still surprised me sometimes.

I traced my fingers through the dark fur of his chest, feeling his heartbeat gradually slow beneath my palm. “That was... intense,” I murmured, my voice hoarse. “But… I don’t think we can stay here all night, locked together like this.”

He rumbled in agreement, nuzzling the top of my head. Reaching out a hand, I placed it on his chest, using the bond and my magic to force his Alpha form back. I felt the subtle shift in his energy as he began to revert back to human form, fur receding beneath my fingertips, claws shortening to blunt nails. The transformation was gradual enough that his knot remained until the last possible moment. But even without it, he was more than enough to fill me to the brim.

“Fuck,” Atlas breathed when his vocal cords returned to normal, his voice still rough with lingering wolf. “You’re going to be the death of me.”

I laughed softly, pressing a kiss to his now-human jaw. “What a way to go though.”

His arms tightened around me, his fingers tracing my shoulder blades and down my spine with a feathery touch. I couldn’t help but tremble at his touch and the sensation of his hot seed leaking out of me and onto the bench. Everything about this moment, about my mate, and about our bond as familiar and witch… it was perfect. I loved every moment of it even if it meant facing a world of prejudice. All of that was worth these beautiful moments with him where everything felt so right in the world.

“I love you, Atlas,” I whispered, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him tight against me.

“I love you too, Caden,” he replied. “And I always will.”

“Promise?”

I felt the bond between us surge, affection spilling over and filling me up.

“I promise.”

***